Rita Costa ‘Lala’ Cairns – Coal Center, formerly of Monongahela
Rita Costa “Lala” Cairns, 73, of Coal Center, formerly of Monongahela, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, in her home. Born Dec. 9, 1945, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Sarah Spencer Costa. A 1963 graduate of Clairton High School, Rita worked for a short time as a hairdresser, but for most her life was a devoted homemaker and focused on raising her family. Catholic by faith, she enjoyed listening to music and painting, but most of all spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Ann Marie and Jeffrey Trunzo of Coal Center; five brothers, Harry (Wanda) Costa of York; John (Jane) Costa of Finleyville; Gabriel Costa and fiancée Rita Croyle of Belle Vernon; Donald (Marlana) Costa of North Huntingdon and Richard (Tracey) Costa of Tennessee; two sisters, Joann Gajdzik of McKeesport and Terry Costa of Glassport; two grandchildren, Megan and Matthew Trunzo; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband, John W. “Coon Dog” Cairns II, who died June 19, 2010; a son, Michael Cairns, who died July 6, 2006; and a brother-in-law, George Gajdzik. Friends will be received at the MARSHALL MARRA FUNERAL HOME, 216 Chess St., Monongahela, 724-258-6767, marshallmarrafuneralhome.com, from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, with Father Kevin Dominik officiating. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery.
